We’ve all heard it before: “It’s not the skis. It’s the skier.”
But if the best skiers on the mountain don’t need the top-of- the-line gear to make those turns look so sweet, how come they’ve always got it?
Truth be told, it’s because gear matters. Well, that and a little something called “sponsorship” the best athletes on skis and snowboards are privy to. But before they became sponsored athletes, most pro skiers and snowboarders did it just like the rest of us.
They scrimped and scrounged and bargained their way into the best skis, boots, snowboards, goggles and accessory gear they could get their hands on. They ordered early – whether it was from the shop they were working for that season, off the Internet or through the swap they visited in October – after doing their research and discovering the gear that works for their style of riding, be it all-mountain, park-n-pipe, steep, deep or straight-up corduroy carving.
And then they ponied up the requisite coin. Because the reality is, skiing and snowboarding aren’t cheap.
The upside, though, is that they don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. And with the right equipment, the return on your investment is without peer here in Colorado.
The swaps may have come and gone already, but there are still some relative bargains to be had. The key is knowing what to look for, so you can pull the trigger before you find yourself preparing to pay full retail the day after Thanksgiving.
“We offer the best pricing we offer all year at the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Expo. That’s our draw,” said John Russell, a seven-year merchandise manager for Specialty Sports Inc., owners of the Colorado Ski & Golf franchise. “We bring in a huge selection of apparel and hard goods, both previous years and brand new, and our pricing is even better than our Ski Rex sale. At the same time, we bring in our good bootfitters and ski guys who really understand the products, so you get great customer service.”
How to shop an “event”
From the retail perspective, the notion behind the annual Ski and Snowboard Expo, which kicks off its 16th year Friday at the Colorado Convention Center, is to turn gearing up for the season into an “event.” And with the inclusion of sideshow attractions like the Flying Ace All-Stars, climbing walls, sumo wrestling and action sports entertainers Brad Holmes and “Uncle E,” among others, it pretty much pulls it off.
But don’t let the attractions become distractions. The secret to getting your shop on, industry insiders say, is focus.
“When I entered the sport several years ago, the thing I looked at and the thing people told me to look at was, what type of skiing or riding are you really going to do?” said Nick Bohnenkamp, a Denver snowboarder who doubles as spokesman for Colorado Ski Country USA. “Whether it’s park, pipe, all-mountain – figure out what interests you the most and tailor your gear toward that aspect.”
So as a skier or snowboarder on the brink of winter, what do you really need?
“I’m an advocate of the ‘one-ski quiver’ for most recreational, 10-days- a-year skiers,” Russell said, pointing toward a “mid-fat” ski shape around 80mm wide underfoot, where the bindings are mounted. “Since boots are such an important part of the experience, a huge thing existing skiers can buy is some type of bootfitting or insole, which doesn’t have to be a huge expense. New skiers should consider more outfitting. A good pair of gloves with a waterproof liner and goggles are a necessity. And just buying some basic waterproof ski pants is a good thing.”
Goggles should always have a double lens to help prevent fogging, Russell noted, and while it isn’t mandatory equipment, he believes everyone should consider splurging for a helmet.
“A helmet ought to be the first thing you buy, especially if you are just starting,” Bohnenkamp said. “It’s the most important thing on you – even more important than skis, in my opinion.”
Recommendations aside, the question on most people’s minds is: How much is all this going to set me back?
The answer is: That depends. It depends on just how serious you are about your winter recreation, and how dedicated you are to the notions of comfort and performance, which don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Soft goods a sure bet
The good news is that this weekend’s expo has a proven history of bona fide bargains, particularly when it comes to seasonal pricing on soft goods. Base layers – a.k.a. long underwear, another mountain “must” – are available for as little as $20, gloves for less than $30 and $200 jackets will be selling in the $50 range. That helmet splurge will set you back $35, but you could still be outfitted and out the door for less than $300.
Hard goods can be a little trickier. Although Expo prices on reputable ski designs like Volkl Mantras and K2 Lotta Luvs are ridiculously low at $400-$450, unless you know exactly what you’re looking for, you probably won’t get your dream skis or snowboard the first time out.
“Being on the right ski for you is more important than being on ‘The Skis,”‘ Russell said. “Make sure you are getting something for your ability level. I think that’s the key there.”
Bohnenkamp is an advocate of the “try before you buy” philosophy, which may mean forgoing a screaming Expo deal in favor of online shopping at discount sites like , , or even eBay after you’ve decided what best suits your riding style.
“If you are new to the game, demoing gear is a great resource,” Bohnenkamp said. “Assuming you have all the clothes, it’s not a bad idea to test out the latest and greatest hard goods at the resort before you buy them.”
Another advantage to that method is avoiding the hard sell from product reps by doing your research, although it never hurts to get a second opinion.
“The online forums offer a lot of great analysis on what works and what doesn’t, so you can gain great insight,” Bohnenkamp said. “The more information you can acquire, the better off you are when you actually make your purchase. You can still acquire what you need to know at the store. But as far as the actual setup goes, you can probably find what you need online.”
What you need
Top 10 “must have” items on the slopes from the gear specialists at Colorado Ski & Golf:
1. Eye protection: Preferably goggles, although good sunglasses will do.
2. Sunscreen: Don’t forget the Chapstick.
3. Neck gaiter (fleece): Hats and gloves go without saying, but this pocket-stuffer can make or break a ski day.
4. Water-resistant clothing: No denim, canvas or hemp on the hill, please.
5. Boots that fit: Best with a custom orthotic.
6. Boards (be sure to check the bindings): It’s a good idea to carry a multi-tool for quick fixes.
7. Water: Because you’re above 11,000 feet and it’s snowing.
8. Season pass or advanced-purchase lift ticket: Do not buy lift tickets at the window, ever.
9. Credit card: For everything else.
10. A good attitude: After all, any day on the slopes is better than working.
10 things to do before you hit the slopes
1. Check your equipment and clothes: Upgrade as necessary.
2. Get your boards tuned: By a professional, unless you know what you’re doing.
3. 100 leg lifts a day: With or without boots, depending on your general fitness level.
4. Break in your boots: Spend some time walking around in them before traumatizing your feet in the bumps.
5. Get your bindings checked and adjusted: Because the only thing less cool than pre-releasing is non-releasing.
6. Assemble your gear bag: Winter shows no mercy on the unorganized.
7. Pick up your pass before opening day: When everyone else will be there.
8. Stretch: Then stretch again.
9. Check the snow report: Powder alerts from your favorite resort are always a good idea.
10. See a ski movie: Nothing sets the mood quite like Warren Miller or some Teton Gravity Research.
